Listen up foodies, cocktail enthusiasts and cool chasers. The time is here for the unveiling of La Luna Restaurant – and we’ve got All.The.Feels.

Officially open from Thursday 13^th January 2022, Marina Mirage’s newest resident has reinvented the space where good-times-icons of yesteryear Saks and Pier once lived their best lives. Adding to the appeal of its prestigious location, the restaurant connects directly to the hotly anticipated floating beach club section of the venue. And no folks, that’s not a typo – it legit floats on pontoons (watch this space for launch date deets pencilled for April 2022, we’ll be all over it like mint on a mojito).

Summonsing diners to escape the ordinary and embark on a sensory-arousing journey through the Mediterranean and Asian fusion cuisine, La Luna Restaurant has all the on-fleek trimmings you’d expect from its trailblazing owner, Patrik Gennari of The Gennari Group. This group is a Gold Coast institution, masterminding the likes of Koi, Glass, Maggie Choo, The Loose Moose and Roosevelt Lounge.

You’ll spend your afternoons and evenings here ocean gazing and grazing with the glitterati, revelling in a selection of flavours to stimulate even the most refined palettes. Using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, the mouth-watering eats and effortless luxury oozing from every nook and cranny will have you chanting “shut up and take my money”.

To set the tone, first stop: the bar (obvs) and the signature cocktail menu is lit. We’re drawing inspo from the fancy yachts in our peripheral, and Tulum-esk accents at the beach club next door and ordering Paprika Spiced Pineapple Margaritas. Then it’s on to an appetiser from the delicious Mezze menu, like perhaps the Wagyu Bresaola.

It’s starter time and the combination of flavours in the Kingfish Ceviche with coconut milk, lime, pickled onion, grapefruit jam and chilli is guaranteed to take you to your happy place. No menu is complete without a Lobster or Moreton Bay Bug Roll these days, and at La Luna, you have the option of either, both come drizzled with lemon and dill mayo and tangy hot sauce.

Back it up with an equally show-stopping main, like the Miso Pork Belly with pickled apple and chilli salsa offset with cloudlike cauliflower cream. Or, perhaps the Fish of the Day is more your thang, grilled to perfection and served with a creamed leek, fennel and citrus salad. YUM!

If you’re in the mood for something to soak up the cocktails (because trust us, you’ll be several deep at this point), there’s plenty of Flatbread Pizza and Pasta options. A standout is the Seafood Linguini, jam-packed with a plethora of seafood goodness straight from our local waters.

Sold yet? Of course you are. See you there – with a margi in hand!

When: Wed – Sun 12pm – late (closed Mon & Tues)
Where: La Luna Beach Club, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Words by Bianca Trathen.

There’s no denying that Main Beach is one of those postcodes that has everything going for it. Surrounded by million dollar surf views and sprawling green space one way and the Broadwater the other – you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why locals are so frond of flocking to this breezy, palm-flanked suburb.

Bursting at the seams with boutique shopping, dining, luxury accom and entertainment options (heck, it even boasts its own theme park), there is never any shortage of things to do, see, or eat.

The sky – or, more accurately, your credit card – is the limit.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
We’re not sure if it’s the salt air, but clearly something magic in the air happening here. One of the many mainstays in Main Beach’s strip – Sheraton Grand Mirage has been going strong as our go-to for all things pampering since well before we were old enough to pay for our own seafood buffet (#tear). Recently refurbed and looking more luxurious than ever, whether it’s treating ourselves to a staycay or simply perching up poolside for a few hours with the famous Pearls Bar high tea, Sheraton never misses.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Winey Cow
Just when we thought brunch couldn’t be any more perfect – its boozier, bottomless iteration entered the chat. Regardless of your enthusiasm for Croissant chilli scramble chased with several Spritz to start your day, Winey Cow does both with pizzazz. Bursting onto our brunch late last year, Mornington Peninsula’s famed crew of brekkie moo-vers and shakers arrived with awards out the wazoo and mimosas in hand. Next time you roll out of bed craving a Bagel Benny, Lobster Bao, or Bloody Mary, Main Beach’s bright and breezy brekkie gem has got you.
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach

Imperial Hotel
Another luxury jewel in Main Beach’s crown, the Seaworld Dr landmark formerly known as the Palazzo Versace has housed many a high roller in its time. Of course, locals are equally welcome to swing by and soak up its spoils and waterfront views for a weekend or a few hours. If you’re in the mood for the latter, Le Jardin’s signature bubble-studded Imperial High Tea is an excellent starting point, or if you’re a sucker for a buffet, the opulent surrounds of Il Barocco Restaurant never disappoint.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Sea World
Not merely a fixture of the Main Beach skyline and our childhoods, no matter how many birthdays pass us by, a trip to Sea World will always slap. Particularly so, because locals have the added perk of knowing the strategic times to sashay by (hello off season) for maximum thrillage and spillage (also hello, Storm Coaster front carriage #IYKYK). Swing by, spend a few hours chillin’ with the ocean critters, hit up a few rollercoasters, then bail with an ice-cream in hand. Happy days.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Holy Ship
What do you get when you take two fishing trawlers in need of some sea-rious TLC and a trio of swashbuckling restauranteurs? Main Beach’s swell new eats and sips concept, Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant… obviousea! Teaming up with co-owner Jake Ruttley, the brains behind former local gem, Tonic on Chirn, Kane and Yvette McCarthy, have certainly moved on to bigger and berther things. Launching twin floating venues earlier this year – the team has set their sights on bringing their signature grazing-style eats and sips to the sea! You even might spy the distinctive duo – decked out in cobalt blue and white – milling about the Broadwater on private function business when they’re not at home in their Marina Mirage mooring. Good times, ahoy.
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach 

Peter’s Fish Market
Can you really call yourself a Gold Coaster ‘till you’ve bookended your spit hangs (or failed fishing expedition) with a pit stop at Peter’s Fish Market? Another absolute Seaworld Drive staple, this place has been churning out the fresh seafood, fish and chippies just a stone’s throw from the Broadwater for some 30 years now. Often heaving but always worth the wait, next time you feel the Sunday scaries coming on, pack a picnic rug and head here for a feed of famously crispy chippies, fresh prawns and some of the tenderest calamari going (or, BYOB for a chip butty by the sea – bliss).
Where: 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach 

Marina Mirage
Another of Main Beach’s long-standing draws, Marina Mirage has long been a local haven of all things fancy and foodie. The produce-packed farmers markets every Saturday are always fave, as are the stellar array of eateries and boutiques. Home to international and local labels such as Sonia Stradiotto Couture, when we’re in need of designer threads, Marina Mirage never fails to hook us up. When it’s world-class waterfront wining and dining we’re after, the likes of La Luna Beach Club, La Luna, Glass and Omeros Bros have got you sorted.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach 

That Beach Entrance
In addition to the more obvious allure of spectacular beaches, this saltwater blessed suburb just so happens to also be home to one of the GC’s most insta-famous beach entrances. Tucked just behind Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, you’ll find the particularly picturesque beach access path framed by its synonymous and oft-papped swaying palms. Even the most seasoned locals could never tire of being greeted by that view (or snapping just one more pic on those days when the weather is really turning it on).
Where: Head to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and look for the giant palms.

Rosé Gelateria
Dishing up dreamy interiors every bit as delicious as its artisanal ice-based confections, it’s little surprise this upscale ‘hood is now home to one of three boutique Rosé Gelateria locations. Joining its dusty pink-bathed big sis in Sanc Cove, head here to be greeted by swoon-worthy interiors and grab a scoop (or three) of house-made gelato or freshly brewed specialty coffee. With gourmet flavours like Passionfruit Pavlova and Fig and Mascarpone, gracing its rotation, there’s always something lush and lick-worthy with your name on it.
Where: 19/21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach 

Tedder Ave
Spanning the length of the suburb’s residential end, Main Beach’s ever-bustling Tedder Ave strip is an icon that needs no introductions. Packed with boutique shopping, dining and sipping spots galore, it is nigh on impossible to ever be bored or hungry here. If you’ve got time to kill post beach walk, perch up and people watch one of the cute cafés, or swing by Main Beach Bakery for your sweet treat fix. In the latter half of the day, must-visit foodie hotspots like Greek gem Xenia, Domanis and fine dining seafood destination, Shuck help this lively hotspot really come into its own.
Where: Tedder Ave, Main Beach

Words by Kellie Leader

With already a staggering 25,000 people through their doors in the first two months of operation, the $10 million development, Cali Beach, has already solidified its place as the Gold Coast’s premier day and night rooftop venue. If the lineup of fabulous live summer music and endless hours spent basking in the sun with a cocktail in hand weren’t already enough, then you’re going to love this news hot off the press. Cali Beach is about to open its brand spanking new signature Japanese restaurant, Saké Sisters.

The venue boasts unadulterated views of Surfers Paradise seascape and will seat 120 guests with ease. The emphasis from the outset was securing an Executive Chef with the skill and knowledge capable of delivering a world-class sensory experience — and luckily for us, they managed to find somebody who fits the bill perfectly. Marcelino Papio Jr brings his extensive culinary expertise to Saké Sisters from some of the best restaurants in the world, including Nobu Sydney, Toko Restaurant in Surry Hills and Zuma Japanese Restaurant in Dubai. With such an impressive resume, Marcelino is zealous to make the venue a much sought-after dining destination.

“I am excited to draw on all my experience to create this very special hand-crafted menu for Saké Sisters. I have utilised Japanese umami flavours, combined with the absolute best fresh produce Queensland and Australia has to offer. The result is a modern Japanese menu that’s uniquely suited to the beautiful beachside location and stunning ocean views”, said Executive Chef Marcelino. “I can’t wait for guests to taste the menu, with my personal favourite dishes being the Kingfish Usuzukuri and the free-range Spatchcock cooked in a signature seven spiced marinade.”

Sounds pretty good to us!

The menu aims to take diners on a whole salivate-inducing journey from lighter style dishes such as Wagyu and Cheese Gyoza to their raw bar with prime made before your eyes sashimi, ceviche and carpaccio featuring fresh Hiromasa Kingfish and Atlantic Salmon. The grill is where substantial flavours come into play with dishes such as the Grilled Pork Cutlets and Japanese Sweet Corn. And tempura fans can rejoice with King Prawns, and Moreton Bay Bugs set to wow your tastebuds.

In addition to a striking food offering, the Saké Sisters cocktail menu incorporates classic Japanese flavours with a wide range of saké, umeshu, Japanese Whisky, yuzu and togarashi in an innovative yet approachable way designed to complement the dining experience. Feel like trying an entirely new type of drink — now’s your chance!

Saké Sisters will officially open for the first time on Friday 3rd December from 5.30pm with bookings highly recommended and a smart casual dress requirement.

When: Friday-Sunday 5.30 pm — late
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Words by Alex Mitcheson.