All things Korean have certainly seen a surge in popularity of late. Whether it be catchy K-pop boybands or K-thriller Netflix series’, it seems the world can’t get enough K-action. With this in mind, four experienced and trend-savvy restauranteurs decided to jump on the K-bandwagon and launch their very own K-ool and (slightly K-ooky) Korean BBQ-style eats space. The result? Burleigh’s Suzy BBQ which is equal parts delicious, eclectic and amazing, serving up an unmissable interactive dining experience to remember.

It’s an all-round visual spectacular and unlike anything else you’ve seen around the 4220 postcode, or anywhere else on the GC. And, with the influx of multi-cultural eats experiences and abundant restaurant eye candy, this is quite the achievement.

Your attention is immediately drawn to the eye-catching corrugated iron exterior, cobblestone-esk flooring inside, primary coloured neon roof lighting, and on-fleek sage green seating. This is masterfully offset by the statement Korean pop-art poster wallpaper, and you cannot help but be wowed by its bold yet tastefully executed eccentricity. The aim is to transport diners to the bustling streets of Seoul with that exciting big Asian city vibe to absorb the unique Korean culture. Mission accomplished.

With BBQs in the center of every table, YOU are the one who cooks up your very own authentic Korean feast. Seating up to 40 people across the bar, BBQ benches and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect choice for weekend (or mid-week) hangs with your crew when you’re channelling something different packed with flavour.

And the good news keeps coming as they’re licensed until midnight…with the odd DJ making an appearance to elevate the bar feels.

Now let’s talk food and cocktails because, obvs.

We strongly suggest you start with the Pear Chips, lightly salted fried Korean pear that you will not be able to get enough of! For the rare meat lovers out there, the Yukhoe beef tartare with fresh Korean pear and quail egg is a taste sensation.

Talented Chef Mario Georgiou’s signature dish is undoubtedly the BBQ Set with pork jowl, pork belly, wagyu beef plate and bulgogi (500g) with your choice of salad and banchan (kimchi, radish, pickled onion and chilli with cold pasta). The meat is mouth-wateringly tender and the flavours are so good you never want the barbie to end.

If you don’t want to DIY dinner, there are plenty of Korean specialties that you can order from the kitchen too. The famous Bipimbap comes with your choice of vege, chicken or beef and will fill your tummy right up! No one has ever said no to KFC (Korean Fried Chicken that is!) and you can choose from the Original or Sweet & Spicy both served with kewpie mayo.

To finish, we dare you to pass up on the Cinnamon dusted deep fried Choco Pie. To the uninitiated, a Choco Pie is a Korean snack with marshmallow filling sandwiched between two layers of cake and covered in chocolate. I die!

Naturally, Suzy also rocks an epic Korean drinks menu to make your night really pop. Choose from the likes of Plum Wine, Korea’s finest beer or Rice Wine. The real hero of the drinks menu though is the Soju (kind of like Korea’s version of sake). One of the five Soju’s on offer will perfectly accompany your Korean BBQ experience. And a special shoutout must go to Suzy’s secret weapon (from their secret menu); The Soju Bomb (just ask…).

Specialty cocktails are also featured like the crowd-pleasing Kimmys Margarita with chilli infused tequila, hitejinro soju, fresh lime, green chilli and kimchi agave. Gimme gimme.

Owners Maddy Norton, Tim O’Sullivan, Lachlan Cuskelly and Stephen Filipovic have not only created an awe-inspiring space with a menu to match, but they knocked together the entire fit-out themselves…in just four weeks. In fact, the whole concept was brainstormed and brought to life in FIVE weeks. Umm, we struggle to organise a house party in this time, so it’s fair to say we’re properly impressed.

This bunch are what you’d call seasoned pros, with Maddy, Lachlan and Stephen co-owning Panchos Mexican restaurant in Mudgeeraba, Stephen the force behind Light Years in Burleigh, and Tim owning both a café in Melbourne and the Korean-based product Bae Juice.

So if you know what’s good for you, you know to get down there! Now.

Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
When: 4pm – late Wednesday & Thursday & 12pm – late Friday – Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen.

As some of the world’s most highly revered cuisine, it’s little surprise that Japanese food is loved worldwide. The depth of flavours and incredibly focussed and precise cooking techniques are the foundation for some damn tasty food — and that ain’t no lie.

Finding exceptional examples of far eastern delicacies isn’t as easy as you may think. Sure, there are a great many good Japanese restaurants out there, except here we are only eager to discuss and dissect the exceptional ones!

We’re talking about the kind of places with that undeniable ‘X’ factor and take your taste of the orient to an entirely new level. Lucky for us, there are a mustering of such venues here on the Gold Coast, so start practicing your chopstick skills as we run you through the places that are exceptional odes to Japan — minus the 10-hour flight.

Kiyomi
Often regarded as the flagship Japanese restaurant on the Gold Coast, you might think their inclusion on this list required little thought. Yes, Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima has created amazing mouth-watering dishes on the robata grill, and the tempura menu is a tantalising read as any menu you’ll come across. But here, the finer things and the premium setting speak for themselves, like highly sought after Beluga Caviar and Char-grilled Queensland grown Wagyu, which are lovingly dished up and are sure not to disappoint.
Where: Lobby Level, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

RaRa Ramen
What these folks don’t know about ramen simply isn’t worth knowing. After opening their first Queensland venue, in blissful Burleigh, we were a tad excited earlier this year. The team behind some of Sydney’s best-received ramen bars takes their noodle and broth game extremely seriously, so much so there was a severe amount of time spent in Japan learning and researching the craft before their first bowl was even served. Atmospheric, welcoming and stacked full of great drinks: go ahead and slurp as if nobody is watching!
Where: 21a/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Kemuri
Tucked away in Carrara and simply waiting for you to discover it is the small and quaint Japanese-style eatery of Kumeri. They dish up nothing short of authentic flavours and unadulterated Japanese dishes. How do crispy hand-rolled gyozas matched with incredible examples of European wines sound? A little too good to be true, perhaps. However, let owner — and qualified sommelier — Hiro guide you through his extensive collection of European and boutique Australian wines for a well-rounded and unique dining experience.
Where: 3/124 Pappas Way, Carrara

Etsu
Everyone’s favourite Japanese restaurant is still the light of our lives and knocking out superb food in Mermaid Beach. It was certainly groundbreaking a few years back, and now it seems a slew of other Japanese restaurants have caught up to the party — however, the dedication to service, great seasonal produce, and an impeccable drinks offering has never wavered one bit. Ideal for a midweek escape and perfection for a weekend feast; the standout features of this establishment are, without a doubt, its down-to-earth and charming decor and an ever-evolving cocktail list worthy of anyone’s attention.
Where: 2440 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Cafoo Izakaya
For a while now, the locals of Palm Beach — plus those in the know — have been quietly enjoying the spoils of this Osaka-style back alley Izakaya all to themselves. But we think it was about time it was shared! Deeply authentic and brimming with a menu of carefully constructed and drool-inducing dishes, including the ever-famous Okonomiyaki savoury pancakes. What sets this place apart is the dedication to cultural accuracy — oh, and the fact you can book out the entire restaurant should you have the occasion that calls for it (and enough friends)!
Where: 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach

Misono
When it comes to a hearty combination of flavour and showmanship, teppanyaki-style dining is a surefire way to beat hunger — with a slice of entertainment thrown in there for good measure. One of the best in the business, and an unsurpassed way to experience this highly revered form of Japanese cooking, is Misono at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa. Let their talented and affable chefs delight you and your friends with an abundance of flames and flavour.
Where: Level 3, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa,158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

When you think about it – what is there not to love about Thai food? It’s fairly healthy, extremely delicious, group friendly and not to mention, the perfect accompaniment for that hard-earned night of Netflix on the couch.

We all know finding ourselves on a deserted beach in Thailand is not going to happen anytime soon. And yes, we’re fairly upset about that too. So why not experience the next best thing?

As Autumn has arrived this week, we suggest you get yourself cosy at home or venture out and treat yourself to some of the tastiest Thai flavours from one of these epic Gold Coast Thai restaurants.

Chong Co Thai
It’s hard to believe you’re inside a shopping centre when dining at Pacific Fair’s upstairs food court (you could even bring your Tinder date here). It’s the epitome of a sweet little Thai restaurant you just have to visit. They offer all the classics which will surely fill you up whether it’s for your monthly bestie-catch up or for a quick meal before catching a movie at the cinema.
Where: Pacific Fair, Broadbeach

House of Siam
You know the saying – location, location, location! House of Siam in Hope Island is right on the marina and overlooks the pier and million-dollar yachts, offering a great atmosphere accompanied by oh-so-delicious food. You might want to reconsider getting takeaway from here since the ambience of the restaurant is half the experience!
Where: Marina Shopping Village, 5 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Mamasan Kitchen & Bar 
While not a Thai restaurant per se, Mamasan’s incredibly indulgent menu includes some Thai specialities you need to try ASAP. For example, the Oysters with Thai green chilli, nam jim and finger lime followed by the Thai Chilli Jam Prawns with kaffir lime, dehydrated pineapple and cucumber ribbons. Be sure to finish things off with the Ginger and Lemongrass Cheesecake with kaffir lime, mango and Asian crisps. You’ll surely ‘thai and go to heaven’ (sorry).
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Little Malaya Tweed Heads
Don’t let the name deceive you. In addition to the traditional Malaysian cuisine, you will find an array of Asian signature dishes including Thai! We’re big fans of the Tom Yum soups and Pad Thai, but while you’re there, give the Coffee Pork Ribs a try, two of our great loves combined.
Where: 32 Bay Street, Tweed Heads

Basil Thai
Tucked away along Nobby’s cute little food strip is Basil Thai, a cosy, no fuss Thai restaurant bringing you everything you’d expect from your local! The portions are huge, so it’s a great place to take your friends and share a couple of dishes. They’re also BYO and have takeaway options – what more could you ask for?
Where: 2243 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

Nahm Thai
This is the contemporary styled Thai restaurant you just have to visit in Coomera. With gorgeous aesthetics and jaw-dropping food, the flavours and authenticity here are truly a one-off. Offering set menus for couples and families means you can relax and know Nahm Thai is going to deliver nothing short of a taste sensation. The soft-shell crab Papaya salad is likely to blow your mind.
Where: Shop R001 Westfield Coomera, 109 Foxwell Road, Coomera

Zabisan
It’s annoying, but it’s always a good sign when you can’t score yourself a table at a restaurant on a quiet weekday night. So, be sure to book ahead when you decide to pop in at Zabisan on the Gold Coast Highway in Burleigh. They bring you the best dishes North Thailand has to offer, but be warned, they can be a little bit spicy! We highly recommend the Pineapple Chicken Curry, eat in or take away!
Where: 1742 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Oz Thai
It’s safe to say the cat’s out of the bag when it comes to this Palm Beach favourite. Cherished by locals, Oz Thai serves up simple but delicious Thai food at very reasonable prices. All your favourite dishes are on offer but keep your eyes open as there are often unique specials you won’t want to miss.
Where: 1/1389 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Sunshine Thai Restaurant
Sunshine Thai Restaurant in Coolangatta has been serving up stellar Thai food for over 16 years. Their philosophy is to create authentic flavours using only the freshest Australian sourced produce — and we love everything about it! Offering all your favourite Thai food classics and then some.
Where: 152 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Chiangmai
Found in a prime position on the Gold Coast Highway in Broadbeach, Chiangmai Thai is a much-loved spot amongst the locals. The chefs here really know how to create the perfect balance between sweet, sour and spicy – so expect only the best. And if you’re feeling spoilt for choice and can’t decide what to get, try the Massaman Beef Curry (trust us on this one).
Where: 2779 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach and second restaurant located at 5-19 Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise

CocoHut Taste of Thailand
Serving up rich, full flavours, CocoHut’s menu features mouth-watering starters and main dishes that’ll tickle those Thai-loving tastebuds. A must-try is the Coco Tomyum Soup and Noodle, made from fresh ingredients including lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice and fresh chilli that all combine to create a healthy and soothing broth that is so very tasty. Who said healthy and tasty was an impossible feat?
Where: 3114 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Thai I Am
Situated at Miami One Shopping Centre, this is a team favourite for us here at Inside Gold Coast. Mostly a takeaway spot (they do have a couple of tables to eat in), these guys serve up authentic Thai dishes with beaming smiles — after all, they do say Thailand is the land of a thousand smiles! Stuck for lunch? There’s a daily lunch-special menu available from 12pm – 3pm too.
Where: Miami One Shopping Centre, Miami

Words by Alex Mitcheson