Unfortunately, this restaurant has now closed – but you should stick around and check out these other restaurants!

Santa Claws has arrived early.

It always seems to be around this time of year, when the temperature rises and the seafood cravings set in, that we’re left scratching our heads as to where to find that perfect fresh-off-the-trawler fix.

But scratch no more, friend. Because that exciting moment has arrived, when crabs quite literally pop back up on our collective radars – this time thanks to the the launch of the King Crab Co. pop-up restaurant, at Marina Mirage.

Taking up residence on the ground floor, overlooking the Broadwater, the ‘Gold Coast’s first, American-style, pop-up crab den’ has so much more to offer than the opportunity to fish around for a sordid pun or two to dish up to your fellow diners.

Wait. What could surpass the sheer delight of inviting friends to a ‘pop-up crab den’?, you ask?  Well, for starters, when everyone bibs up like a baby for the the main event – classic Louisiana-style, boiled crab – that’s an infinitely enjoyable moment too.

In case your mouth isn’t already watering, it’s worth elaborating that this signature offering is available two ways – either as the traditional ‘crab in a bag’ or chilled on ice accompanied by a range of butters and sauces. (Mmmm….butters.)

King Crab Co. co-owner, Karl Daniel, says his team have taken on board learnings from their Brisbane pop-up earlier this year, and will ‘one up’ the aphrodisia levels by offering twice as many main menu items and adding a live oyster shuck bar and wood roaster to the waterfront location.

So if for some weird reason, you’re not already scuttling to find your car keys, rest assured there’ll be plenty to lure you in to the ‘crab den’s’ depths, amidst the selection of fresh oysters, hot wood-fire pizzas and fresh seasonal side dishes.

Oh, and before you de-bib and regretfully retire all crab puns for the day, be sure to loosen your top button and try the house-made ice creams and desserts. Or even better, a creation from the tipple-worthy cocktail and spritz menu – which is a collaboration with Moet Hennessy.

Catch the best crabs – and freshest seafood – on offer this summer at King Crab Co. – opening Wednesday 12 December, on the Ground Floor of the Marina Mirage, Southport.

By Camilla Jones